体坛英语新闻：Higgins hopes to thrive at Masters' new home after victory over Stevens

LONDON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- World champion John Higgins booked his berth in the Masters quarterfinals after beating Matthew Stevens 6-2 on Tuesday and hoped to win his first title of the season at Alexandra Palace.

Boosted by two top breaks of 90 and 60, the Wizard of Wishaw took an early lead 3-1 in the best of 11 frames.

While the Welshman Stevens, who claimed his Masters title in 2000, exploded in the fifth frame with a run of 65, narrowing the gap to 2-3 and nearly bringing a seesaw battle.

However, the two time winners (1999, 2006) of this tournament, Scottish Higgins, regained the momentum with his solid play to wrap up the next three frames, breezing to the last eight. He will face Graeme Dott or Ali Carter in the quarter-finals.

"I was a little bit nervous because that was my first competitive game since the UK Championship," said the 36-year-old winner.

"I thought I played pretty solid, I didn't do anything great but made a few decent breaks," the currently world's No. 3 added.

It is the first time for the Masters, the most prestigious invitation tournament, that have moved to the Alexandra Palace after its more than 30-year stay at Wembly.

For Higgins, it was a "masterstroke" as he can be inspired and more relaxed in the smaller venue with 1500 seats.

"At Wembley Conference Centre I was totally over-awed, it was the biggest arena you can play in, with 2,500 people. Sometimes I went there and froze and just couldn't play."

"Bringing it here is a master-stroke because it generates a much better atmosphere. Even today for us two boring old guys, it was a good crowd as well."

In the other clash of the day, Neil Robertson saw off Mark Allen 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals. The Australian will face Mark Williams.

The eight-day event, running from Jan 15 to Jan 22, is one highlight of the snooker season, featuring an elite field of the world's top 16 players.

China's defending champion Ding Junhui failed to repeat his glory after defeat to the British veteran Ronnie O'Sullivan in the opening day.